Before springing for a bunch of security gadgets, fortify your home’s low-tech barriers, starting with your locks. Our ratings will steer you to area locksmiths that provide excellent advice and workmanship at reasonable prices.

The first step in making any home security plan is to assess your locks. All exterior hinged doors, including doors leading to a garage, should be equipped with good deadbolt locks. A few easy steps can further beef up your locks.

Before investing in an alarm system, take a step back to evaluate—and improve—your home’s overall security. You can do many things to enhance protections that cost much less than an alarm system but do just as much good.

Because homeowners insurance writers offer roughly the same coverage, price comparisons are easier than they would be if each company sold a unique product. But keep in mind that standard policy limits can vary from company to company.

Good fences cost good money. Though some homeowners opt to DIY the job, most count on fence builders to help with the design and handle the construction. We found some in the area that were highly rated by their customers; unfortunately, we also found some that weren’t held in high regard at all. And our mystery shoppers discovered huge price differences among companies bidding on the same job.

Begin by reviewing and deciding on fence type, materials, finish, height, spacing and width of slats, and post size. Also decide whether you want extras such as latticework or an electronic gate. Most fence builders provide catalogs you can examine.